Today’s readings: 
Monday, May 20: 2 Chronicles 35-36

If you’ve been following along with me for a while, or wanted to page back to Day 107 when we started our reading through the story of Kings, I posted a check sheet for you to follow along and track whether or not the king did good or evil in the eyes of God. If you need to jog your memory check out:

Year of Scripture – Day 107

And while you are traveling down memory lane, I wanted to share with you a great diagram that I recently found on Visualunit.me which charted the kings of Israel and Judah. Mark’s diagram is a great visual understanding of how good and bad the kings really were. Check it out:

Now one thing you need to remember when comparing this chart to our recent reading through Chronicles, is that many of the kings according to Chronicles are given a bit better representation than presented Kings. Take Manasseh for example in yesterday’s blog. History always has a way of making the story a bit better than it actually may have been, so Chronicles tells the brighter side of things. In the end, the story turns out the same. both Israel and Judah end up exiled for their wicked ways.

As we turn the page to read Ezra and Nehemiah, we are going to see how the story comes to an end. There is still hope for the Israelites! If there is anything we should know, is that there is always hope with God!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings: 
Tuesday, May 21: Ezra 1-3
Wednesday, May 22: Ezra 8-10
Thursday, May 23: Nehemiah 1-3

Side note: I’m getting ready for some travel, and I’ve decided that it’s okay to not take work with me. Once we get through Ezra, I’ll probably “blog-off” for a few weeks so I can enjoy some time with family and serve with our youth on their mission trip. I know I’ll keep reading. Hope you will too. And maybe, I’ll just surprise you with a few posts along the way. Be sure to stay tuned . . .
PB

Our readings: 
Friday, May 17: 2 Chronicles 25-27 
Saturday, May 18: 2 Chronicles 28-31 
Sunday, May 19: 2 Chronicles 32-34

These past few days have been like a roller coaster. Things to do at home. Things to do at church. Things to do with the family. It was fast, fun, and a bit crazy. Not too much unlike our readings the past few days.

As we continue to follow the Kings of Judah, it’s a roller coaster of a ride as well. One does evil in the eyes of God. The next does what is right in the eyes of God. One restores the Temple, the next builds altars to the false gods. Can you imagine the confusion the people must have felt? From one generation to the next, each one seems to believe something different.

I can honestly say, I was a bit confused as well. Take Manasseh for example. He’s down right evil. Sacrificed his children. Carved idols and placed them in the Temple. Everything he does seems to have some evil intention behind it. Especially as told in the Book of Kings. He is the worst of the worst. Yet, Chronicles tells a bit different story. 2 Chronicles 33:12-17, Manasseh has an epiphany. He starts doing what is right. He worships and honors God, and works to restore what evil he had originally intended. Who would have thought?

It brings me a bit of hope, knowing our evil ways can be turned. Even thought life is like a roller coaster, full of ups and downs, God has a way of smoothing out the ride so that we can all come to a pleasant ending.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings: 
Monday, May 20: 2 Chronicles 35-36
Tuesday, May 21: Ezra 1-3
Wednesday, May 22: Ezra 8-10

Side note: I’m getting ready for some travel, and I’ve decided that it’s okay to not take work with me. Once we get through Ezra, I’ll probably “blog-off” for a few weeks so I can enjoy some time with family and serve with our youth on their mission trip. I know I’ll keep reading. Hope you will too. And maybe, I’ll just surprise you with a few posts along the way. Be sure to stay tuned . . .
PB

Today’s readings: 
Thursday, May 16: 2 Chronicles 21-24 

Now this is much more like the story of the kings that we are used to. “And . . . did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord. First it is Jehoram. Then we encounter Ahazaih. Followed by the wicked Queen Athaliah. Even Joash, as much good as he did at first, eventually goes astray. Now the path to exile is looming closer. We’ve still got several wicked kings to go, but the fate of sin and temptation has taken hold, and our once faithful kings have lost their way.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings: 
Friday, May 17: 2 Chronicles 25-27 
Saturday, May 18: 2 Chronicles 28-31
Sunday, May 19: 2 Chronicles 32-34

Today’s readings: 
Wednesday, May 15: 2 Chronicles 18-20 

If you would, turn back with me to 1 Kings 22. You don’t need to read the whole chapter again, but take note of the stories that are told of Jehoshaphat. You’ll note some similarities between that and our readings in Chronicles. However one notable difference . . . 1 Kings designates one chapter where Chronicles sets aside four chapters. That’s quite a difference.

As we read, in Chronicles we get a greater sense of his faithfulness. Yet, there is an underlying tension between Jehoshaphat and the prophets that guide him. While most scholars would denote him as one who “did right in the eyes of the LORD,” I think we can question that to some degree. Completely faithful? Nope. As wicked as they come? Definitely not. In the end, Jehoshaphat is probably a lot like you and me, somewhere in between, drawn into sin yet redeemed through the grace of God!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings: 
Thursday, May 16: 2 Chronicles 21-24 
Friday, May 17: 2 Chronicles 25-27
Saturday, May 18: 2 Chronicles 28-31

Today’s readings: 
Tuesday, May 14: 2 Chronicles 13-17 

The progression of the Kings of Judah begins to move quickly. Remember this is David’s story, so we won’t hear too much of the story from the Northern Kingdom, only when conflict strife or some other interaction is necessary. As it is, in these few chapters we hear briefly on Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa and Jehoshaphat. The major difference between these readings and the story in Kings, is that the kings remain (for the most part) good and righteous in the eye of God. Honestly, its a much more pleasant read than what we had a few weeks back.

There is, however, an inkling, that something evil is under foot, when Asa removes the Asherah poles from Maacah. (2 Chronicles 15:16-17) Depending on the translation, Maacah is sometimes spelled with a “K”, and is referred to as his “mother” (NRSV) or “grandmother” (NIV). Either way, she has strayed from the ways of God. There is reference to “Maacah” as one of David’s wives (1 Chronicles 3:2). Perhaps she is the same, but that would be great, great grandmother.

Knowing the story of Solomon as told in Kings, we can recall the many wives who swayed Solomon away from God. Could this potentially be one of Solomon’s 700 wives? Granted that would make Maacah Asa’s great grandmother, and I’m ok with that. I honestly can’t say when the idea of “great” grandma’s came into being, so a reference to “Grandmother” might actually work for this one.

In the end, one of the queens of these great and (as Chronicles tells the story) faithful leaders of Judah has gone astray, so much so that Asa has to clean up her mess. Sounds like trouble to me! Again, knowing where the story will end, we will soon be on a slippery slope to exile for both Israel and Judah.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings: 
Wednesday, May 15: 2 Chronicles 18-20 
Thursday, May 16: 2 Chronicles 21-24
Friday, May 17: 2 Chronicles 25-27

Today’s reading:
Monday, May 13: 2 Chronicles 9-12

Who sinned? Rehoboam or his father Solomon? That’s a great question for us to wrestle with, and an answer that is a bit vague and may leave us a bit confused. Here’s what I observed . . .

According to the story told in 1 Kings, Solomon “loved many foreign women” (11:7) who turned his “heart after other gods.” (11:4) There he built high places, offered incense, and sacrifices to the false gods of the other lands. It was a horrible and selfish demise to the leadership Solomon had provided. For his sin, God says, “I will surely tear the kingdom from you and give it to your servant. Yet for the sake of your father David I will not do in in your lifetime; I will tear it out of the had of your son.” (11:11b-12) With that, Solomon’s reign comes to an end with the inkling of turmoil for all of Israel soon to be on hand.

However, our reading from 2 Chronicles is much different. “King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. All the kings of the earth sough the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind.” (9:22-23) Here, it appears that Solomon knows no wrong. He comes across as being nearly perfect and right with God. It isn’t until Rehoboam takes the throne that turmoil begins as he strays from the ways of God by ignoring the counsel of his advisers. Instead he responds, “My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins. Now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.” Ouch. Talk about self righteous gains. Seems like being an heir to the throne gave him a bit of a complexion issue.

Regardless, the picture painted between the stories found in Kings and in Chronicles are much different. Why? For the limited Bible expert that I am, I would have to think it is to preserve the image and legacy of David. If Solomon is great, then his father must have done something right in order to make him so great. By passing the evil intention, sins, and fall of Israel/Judah on to Rehoboam, David is protected and preserved as good and righteous in the eyes of us the reader and of God. And remember, that is the purpose of Chronicles, it is a story looking back (many centuries later) at the rise of David and the Temple of God.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings: 
Tuesday, May 14: 2 Chronicles 13-17 
Wednesday, May 15: 2 Chronicles 18-20
Thursday, May 16: 21-24

Today’s readings:
Sunday, May 12: 2 Chronicles 6-8

Solomon prays bold words as the Temple is dedicated. Bold words that the nation of Israel needed to hear. Bold words that Solomon may need to be reminded of. Bold words that we all need to have written on our hearts and minds. Bold words with a great reminder of how we ought to live, as Solomon ends each petition with “then hear from heaven and forgive the sins one another.” When you . . .

• Wrong your neighbor . . .
• Your people Israel are defeated . . .
• The heavens are shut and there is no rain . . .
• When famine or plague come to the land . . .
• When enemies besiege . . .
• When there is suffering . . .
• When there is sickness . . .
• When there is sorrow . . .
• When foreigners are among you . . .
• When you welcome the stranger . . .
• When you go into battle . . .
• When you are taken captive . . .

To each of these . . . “then hear from heaven and forgive the sins of one another.”

Bold words in a bold prayer. Reminding us always that 1) God is listening. 2) God is still speaking. 3) we are called to act. 4) our actions should be that of forgiveness and love.

Perhaps in our world today, as much as it was in the days when Solomon dedicated the Temple, we ought to pray and respond to one another, “Then hear from heaven and forgive the sins of one another!”

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings:
Monday, May 13: 2 Chronicles 9-12
Tuesday, May 14: 2 Chronicles 13-17
Wednesday, May 15: 2 Chronicles 18-20

Today’s reading:
Saturday, May 11: 2 Chronicles 1-5

As Solomon takes the throne he takes on the responsibility of building the Temple. Sure, we’ve heard the story in the book of Kings, still its beauty and splendor is captivating. One thing that caught my attention, at least this time through, was the Molten Sea.

Then he made the cast sea; it was round, ten cubits from rim to rim, and five cubits high. A line of thirty cubits would encircle it completely. Under it were panels all round, each of ten cubits, surrounding the sea; there were two rows of panels, cast when it was cast. It stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east; the sea was set on them. The hindquarters of each were towards the inside. Its thickness was a handbreadth; its rim was made like the rim of a cup, like the flower of a lily; it held three thousand baths. 
2 Chronicles 4:2-5 NRSV

My first observation was, “this thing was huge!!” My second thought was, “One giant swimming pool for the priest!!” Then all the logistical questions started ticking through my mind:

• How did they fill it?
• How did they draw water out of it?
• What was it used for? (I know it was ritual purification, but what else?)
• What happened to it?
• Why the oxen? (This isn’t the first time the image has come up, remember Aaron and the golden calf?) What is the significance?

I’m sure the list could go on, and I am absolutely sure, this was a stunning piece of the liturgical beauty of all things taking place in and round the Temple. Then of course the real reason I was struck by the Molten Sea, are the baptismal connections that we have to our worship today. Granted, the baptismal fonts at most of our churches aren’t nearly as impressive but the gift the bring is.

Baptized into Christ death and resurrection, we are inundated the unending waters of God’s grace. For every sin we commit, the baptismal waters continue to flow and wash them all away. Can you imagine the waters that have flowed over you and me? I can, and perhaps they are enough to fill the Molten Sea, if not that and then some to overflowing.

I think that is ultimately why I was struck by the image of the Molten Sea. Its a visual reminder of the vastness of God’s grace given in baptism!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings:
Sunday, May 12: 2 Chronicles 6-8
Monday, May 13: 2 Chronicles 9-12
Tuesday, May 14: 2 Chronicles 13-17

Today’s readings:
Thursday, May 9: 1 Chronicles 25-27 
Friday, May 10: 1 Chronicles 28-30

The first half of Chronicles comes to a close. With that David’s life comes to an end. The great King of Israel has gracefully transferred his power and authority over to Solomon. What a transition! It’s full of grace and acceptance. As Chronicles tells it’s story, there is no struggle over succession between brothers, it is simply divine will. This is as God intents, we are essentially told. For Chronicles, this highlights the importance of the lineage of David . . . great, mighty . . . one with the LORD. Also, for Chronicles, the importance of the Temple, which is spelled out in detail and handed over for Solomon to now to construct.

For us the reader, its a positive read, and a much more uplifting version of this portion of Israel’s story. I’m intrigued to read on to see how the rest of the story is told as other kings take the throne. So with that, we’ll turn the page to 2 Chronicles chapter 1.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings:
Saturday, May 11: 2 Chronicles 1-5
Sunday, May 12: 2 Chronicles 6-8
Monday, May 13: 2 Chronicles 9-12

Today’s readings:
Tuesday, May 7: 1 Chronicles 18-21
Wednesday, May 8: 1 Chronicles 22-24

If we look at the story of Chronicles as a “re-telling” of Israel history told in the days after the Exile, then we begin to get a better sense of the story being told. I know I, reading straight through the Bible first looked at this as “why do we have to reread this all over again.” Now, with fresh eyes, I have a greater appreciation for how Chronicles tells Israel’s story.

And what is the story being told . . . David!

Missing are the stories of David’s lust and hunger for all sorts of things. There is no Bethsheba bathing and lusted after. There are no words from Nathan, “You are the man.” Instead, we have a much more graceful story.

David . . . is mighty.
David . . . is resourceful.
David . . . unifies Israel and subdues the surrounding nations.
David . . . makes great plans for the Temple.
David . . . worship and honors the LORD at all times.

As we all know, history has two sides to every story. Chronicles presents one. Kings presents another. Each has its purpose. Each emphasizes the point needed to be made. For now, that point is, David is the mighty appointed one of God!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings:
Thursday, May 9: 1 Chronicles 25-27
Friday, May 10: 1 Chronicles 28-30
Saturday, May 11: 2 Chronicles 1-5